Pantoja's opponent will make history by facing a Brazilian at UFC 323; find out why.

Pantoja and Van face off respectfully at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

Se Alexandre pantoja has the opportunity to defend the flyweight belt (up to 56,7 kg) for the fifth time this Saturday (6) and solidify himself as one of the best fighters in history, on the other hand, Joshua Van He will also step into the octagon achieving an unprecedented feat. At just 24 years old, he is the first fighter born in the 2000s to compete for a UFC belt, and naturally, a victory would make the achievement even more impressive.

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The athlete was questioned about the matter during the press conference for the UFC 323, held last Thursday (4). When talking about possible advice for fighters of the new generation, Van avoided going into details but affirmed his leading role in the division.

"The new era of fighters has arrived – they are about to witness the greatness of..." Joshua Van”, He stated.

Joshua Van was asked if he had any advice for the future generation of MMA fighters, as he is the first fighter to fight for a title who was born in the 2000s:

“The new era of fighters are here – they're about to witness the greatness of Joshua Van. " pic.twitter.com/iyPXYBXIgN

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 5, 2025

Pantoja's opponent is on a five-fight winning streak in the UFC.

Joshua Van after victory in UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC News

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Van's rise in the UFC has been meteoric. This Saturday's (6) duel will be his tenth fight in the organization in just two years as an Ultimate employee. He has eight wins and only one loss, with victories against names of the caliber of Brandon royval e Kevin BorjasWith five consecutive wins, he is undoubtedly experiencing the most important moment of his career this weekend.